Red flowered kurrajong
Brachychiton megaphyllus
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows 2-6 m tall. The leaves are large and simple. They are 11-30 cm long by 14-25 cm wide. The leaves are round and hairy. They are arranged alternately. It loses its leaves during the dry season. It develops flowers are fruit while it is leafless. It has a carrot shaped taproot. The flowers are red and have 5 or 6 petal like segments. They are 3-4 cm long. The fruit are 8-12 cm long by 3-4 cm wide. They are oblong and have dense brown hairs. The fruit split open. There are many hairy yellow seeds.
There are about 30 Brachychiton species. Most are in Australia. Also put in the family Sterculiaceae.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in savannah and open forests in the Northern Territory, Australia. It is best in full sun.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The seeds are roasted and eaten.
Edible parts
Seeds, tap root
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds. Plants can re-grow after fire.
It produces seeds after about 11 years. Trees live for about 20 years.
Its other names
Local names
Giant-leaved kurrajong, Nganwarra, Ngurniyani